Flyers sign Couturier to six-year extension

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 22: Sean Couturier #14 of the Philadelphia Flyers looks on against the New York Rangers in Game Three of the First Round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Wells Fargo Center on April 22, 2014 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Len Redkoles/NHLI via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Sean Couturier

The Philadelphia Flyers made a large investment toward their future by signing center Sean Couturier to a six-year contract extension.

Financial terms weren't released, but Sportsnet's Chris Johnston reported late Tuesday night that the deal is worth $26 million for an average annual value of $4.33 million. Couturier will receive a $1 million signing bonus in each of the first three years of the contract, beginning with the 2016-17 season.

The 22-year-old already was signed through the upcoming 2015-16 season at $1.75 million, but would have been a restricted free agent in the following campaign.

"It's a great organization, they believe in me," Couturier told CSNPhilly. "I'm really happy to be there for the next six years. I love the organization, the city. I think the future is bright in Philly. Hopefully we can do some good things during those six years."

Selected with the eighth overall pick of the 2011 draft, Couturier collected a career-high 15 goals and 22 assists in 2014-15 while playing in all 82 games for the second consecutive season.